U.S. M1 8-Inch Gun

U.S. M1 8-Inch Gun. . The M1 8-inch Gun, which fired a large and effective round at a very long range (20 miles), entered service in 1943. It served in five battalions, in Italy and France, and in three battalions in the Pacific. The 8-inch Gun was primarily used for long-range destruction of enemy communication line, bridges and fortifications. The destruction of bridges was very effective in isolating enemy troops on the battlefield. These guns were particularly useful in Italy, France and Manila because many structures in these regions were made of masonry and were like small castles. Normal ranges for the 8-inch guns were 25,000 to 35,000 yards, which surpassed the upper range limits of the 155mm gun and 240mm howitzers. The 8-inch Guns were used for preparation fires to neutralize enemy artillery and defensive works, as well as and to disrupt communications. The 8-inch guns were also used in the destruction of the Monastery at Monte Cassino. This gun was transported in two loads on six-wheeled trailers pulled by turretless M3 tanks and later by M6 tractors. The tube and carriage were assembled using a 20-ton battery crane. If necessary, it was possible to set the tube without the crane using winches, cables and the tractors., Caliber - 8 in. - 203 mm , Weight - 69,300 lbs. - 31,434 kg , Range - 35,635 yds. - 32,585 m , Shell Weight - 240 lbs. - 109 kg , Muzzle Velocity - 2,840 ft/sec. - 866 m/sec. , Elevation - (-10 to + 50 degrees) - (-178 to + 899 mils) , Traverse - 30 degrees - 533 mils , Rate of Fire - 1 rpm , CCN# 102952